The Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC) just released new data on 2025 northbound thru-hikers. The numbers give a clear look at who is hiking, where they come from, and what they’re carrying when they begin the long trek from Georgia to Maine. If you’ve ever wondered what hikers really pack for the Appalachian Trail, this year’s stats are a great starting point.
For avid hiker Stacey Slamka, whose trails have taken her from Washington to Utah and back again, these figures offer a chance to compare through-hiker gear choices with real ground truth.
Trail Data: Who’s Hiking in 2025
In 2025, the ATC counted 2,279 northbound thru-hikers who registered in person at Basecamp before hitting the trail. Nearly 94% of them were U.S. residents, with hikers from Georgia, North Carolina, Ohio, and Texas among the top origins. International hikers also joined the mix, with visitors from places like Canada, the U.K., Germany, and the Netherlands signing up.
One curious detail: Idaho was the only state not represented this year, which stands out given the state’s popularity with Pacific Northwest hikers.
Average Pack Weight: What Hikers Carry
Of the hikers weighed at Basecamp, 1,438 had their gear measured before starting. The average pack weight this year was 30.4 pounds, gear only — not counting food and water. That’s about the weight of a medium-sized bag of dog food or a small microwave strapped to your back.
Interestingly, this average is lighter than past years. In 2024, hikers hit the trail with packs averaging closer to 34 pounds.
What does this mean for future hikers? Lighter packs can reduce fatigue, speed up your pace, and make long days on the A.T. more manageable. Experienced hikers know that trimming ounces often pays off when you’re covering 10 to 15+ miles a day.
Gear Themes to Watch
These data points point to a few trends:
- Ultralight gear matters: Hikers who focus on shedding unnecessary weight can stay fresher longer.
- Essentials aren’t optional: Despite lighter packs, the core hiking essentials — shelter, sleep system, rain gear, navigation — still have a place.
- Packing smart beats packing heavy: The most successful thru-hikers opt for reliable gear that serves multiple purposes.
Whether you’re day hiking or planning a thru-hike down the line, the 2025 pack stats remind us that understanding what successful hikers carry can shape how you prepare.
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